Docklands

Docklands lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Docklands' population is estimated at around 18,782 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,287 people (21.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,495 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,569, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 987 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,962 persons per square kilometer, placing Docklands in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Docklands' 21.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%) and that of the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over this period, with Docklands expected to expand by 11,189 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 58.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Docklands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Docklands averaged approximately 822 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 4,111 homes. As of FY-26926 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents arrived per year for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new properties was $680,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. In FY-26, $1.074 billion in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Recent development has consisted entirely of medium and high-density housing, offering more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 13 people per dwelling approval, Docklands exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Docklands is projected to add approximately 10,980 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Docklands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 89 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Elysium Fields, Victoria Harbour Precinct, Collins Wharf - Final Three Towers, and Sento, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Docklands performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Docklands has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year.

There were 13,634 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was higher at 71.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional rate of 14.2%. There were 5.7 workers per resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, while labour force grew by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows that Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Docklands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Docklands' suburb income level is among Australia's highest, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Docklands' median taxpayer income is $59,022 and average income stands at $81,097, compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. With an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, current estimates are approximately $63,891 (median) and $87,788 (average) by September 2025. Census 2021 data shows individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,182 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 63rd percentile. Income analysis reveals 35.4% of Docklands' population (6,648 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to Melbourne's 32.8%. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. Docklands' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Docklands features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a predominantly rental market

Dwelling structure in Docklands, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 28 June 2016, comprised 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The level of home ownership within Docklands was 12.6%, with 18.6% of dwellings mortgaged and 68.8% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $411. Nationally, Docklands's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 27 March 2019, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375, also reported on that date.

Docklands features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 1.8 people

Family households constitute 51.5% of all households, including 12.4% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 3.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 48.5%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households making up 9.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people.

Educational achievement in Docklands places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Docklands residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher university qualification rate of 64.9%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and Victoria's average of 33.4%. This educational attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.0% and certificates 8.0%. Educational participation is high in Docklands, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 15.1% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 62 active transport stops operating within Docklands. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 76 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 34,456 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 119 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 4,922 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 555 weekly trips per individual stop.

Docklands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Docklands, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (11,047 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.1 and 4.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 84.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. Docklands has 7.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,371 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Docklands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Docklands has a culturally diverse population, with 58.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 67.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Docklands, comprising 27.5% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Docklands at 14.6%, compared to none% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (19.8%), Other (18.9%), and English (13.8%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, with Indian at 11.7%, Korean at 1.9%, and Russian at 0.7%.

Docklands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Docklands has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Docklands has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (36.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population of those aged 35 to 44 has grown from 18.7% to 20.0%, while the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 39.0% to 36.4%. The proportion of children aged 0-4 has also dropped, from 4.5% to 3.0%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes for Docklands, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age group, which is expected to increase by 139%, adding 2,436 residents to reach a total of 4,183.